Phoenix/Scottsdale

With close to 200 courses in the area and great golf weather (including little chance of rainouts) throughout most of the year, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area is one of the most popular golf destinations in the world. The peak season is winter and spring since temperatures are cooler and courses are generally heavily overseeded, but summer and fall are the best times to find deals. While there are courses for every price point, the area is loaded with high quality courses and resorts. One of the best known is Troon North, which has a pair of outstanding Jay Morrish-Tom Weiskopf championship courses tied into the Four Seasons Scottsdale. Troon's other resorts include the 36-hole Boulders Resort (with the outstanding Golden Door Spa), The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (paired with the TPC Scottsdale), The Phoenician, Talking Stick, The Westin Kierland Resort, and the JW Marriott Camelback Resort, which just opened its new Ambiente Course. As for stand-alone golf, the lengthy list is highlighted by former PGA Tour event home Grayhawk Golf Club and We-Ko-Pa. Of course, don't just limit yourself to the Scottsdale area, Phoenix and its suburbs have quite a few courses and resorts as well, including the Wildfire Resort and the Arizona State University layout, the Karsten Course, designed by Pete Dye.